Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of cylinder with at least an intake and exhaust valve and a piston are described. In one aspect, the method comprises maintaining at least one of the intake and exhaust valves in a closed position during a period. Further, closing the other of the intake and exhaust valves with the piston at a first position from, and then opening the other of the intake and exhaust valves at a second position of the piston closer to bottom center than said first position, during said period.

Abstract: A system and method for operating at least an intake and exhaust valve in a cylinder with a piston of an engine in a vehicle are described. In one aspect, the method comprises maintaining at least the exhaust valve in a closed position during a period of net engine torque less than zero. Further, during said period of net engine torque less than zero, operating with at least the intake valve open, then closing the intake valve, and then opening the intake valve.

Abstract: A method of generating a shift schedule and combustion mode schedule to optimize performance characteristics of a lean capable, multiple combustion mode engine associated with a manual transmission with a time-variant after-treatment system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of generating a lowest cost value for fuel economy and vehicle emissions as a function of an engine operating mode, wherein the engine operating mode is selected from a group consisting of a homogeneous stoichiometric mode, a homogeneous lean mode, and a stratified mode. The lowest cost value is stored in a shift schedule and combustion mode schedule along with the engine operating parameters that achieved the lowest cost value. Then, at a particular vehicle speed and wheel torque, the actual transmission gear is compared to the optimal transmission gear as determined by the shift schedule and combustion mode schedule.